Getting Up Guide: Howard's Yardfest; EITM's Halloween bash

How's your Friday looking? The Getting Up Guide is here to help you answer that question. Here's what's happening around town today:

Howard University Yardfest
The central concert of homecoming week is this free event on Howard's main quad. It's known as a place where big names (Kanye, Jay-Z) perform alongside hot up-and-comers. This year's lineup includes hip-hop trailblazer Slick Rick, Miami hit machine Rick Ross, dance hall star Mr. Vegas and Boston's Omega Red. It all begins at noon.

Elliot in the Morning's Halloween Bash
The annual DC101 Halloween party features rocking covers by local band Junkfood and music spun by DJs. The real draw is the $3,000 grand prize costume contest. Doors open at 5, and music begins at 8. The earlier you show up, the better chance you have to impress the judges for the semi-final. (The final vote, however, is up to the crowd.)

Hirshhorn After Hours
Ruth Jarman and Joe Gerhardt, better known as the multi-media artist duo called Semiconductor, help screen three noise-oriented films while DJs Matt Bailer and Robert Bozick throw a 90s-themed dance party from 8 p.m. to midnight. Throw in some gallery talks ("Guillermo Kuitca: Everything"), food and drink and you've got yourself an evening.